DOVER, Del. (AP) - The Attorney General's Office says New Castle County officials violated the Freedom of Information Act by not responding in a timely fashion to a request from former county chief administrative officer David Grimaldi.

In an opinion dated Friday, authorities said the county did not explain why more time was needed to handle the request or give a good-faith estimate of how much time it needed.

But officials say no further action is required because the records are exempt from FOIA because of pending litigation.

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) - In an effort to attract industrial jobs, New Castle County has appropriated $4 million to extend sewer service to unincorporated land north of Delaware City.

The Wilmington News Journal reports that the project was included in the county capital budget, which was approved last week and outlines more than $55 million in spending on sewer, building and park projects for the upcoming fiscal year.

The case of David Grimaldi, the former chief administrative officer under New Castle County Executive Tom Gordon, just got more complicated.

The Wilmington News Journal reports that Grimaldi says he believes that a cache of secretly recorded telephone conversations with Gordon will show the County Executive to be an ethically bankrupt liar.

Grimald was fired last year by Gordon.

The former chief administrative officer claims that the recording will show Gordon using profanity as he talks with top officials about a range of issues during a two year period.

NEW CASTLE, Del. (AP) - New Castle County council members have approved giving DuPont Co. $7.5 million over five years in an effort to keep the company from leaving the state.

News outlets report that council members unanimously approved legislation Tuesday that will create a new economic development fund. The fund will allow the county to allocate money to retain or create jobs or improve its tax base. The money comes from tax reserves.

MIDDLETOWN, Del. (AP) - State officials are touting new milestones in the effort to protect Delaware's bayshore region and promote the recreational opportunities it offers.

Gov. Jack Markell plans to join state and federal officials Friday to announce the preservation of a key property at Thousand Acre Marsh. They'll also discuss the launch of a byway, the opening of a new trail and wildlife viewing platform and a new branding design.

The Delaware Bayshore Initiative promotes the bayshore as a conservation and recreation area.

HOCKESSIN, Del. (AP) - The New Castle County Police are investigating the death of a 55-year-old woman found at a Hockessin home.

Police say officers were called to Withers Way around 4 a.m. Wednesday after a 911 caller reported finding her mother dead.

About half an hour later, police say a man called 911 and claimed to be responsible for the woman's death. Officers responded to a home in another community where the man was arrested. Police say the man provided details about the incident that indicated he was involved and no other suspects are being sought.

DOVER, Del. (AP) - A coalition of pastors and the NAACP that is investigating accusations of discrimination in state government is beginning to seek testimony at hearings in Kent and Sussex counties.

The Wilmington News Journal reports that the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, a coalition of churches in the Dover area, and the Central Delaware NAACP have joined black pastors in New Castle County to conduct the hearings starting Tuesday.

MIDDLETOWN, Del. (AP) - New Castle County has approved plans for a 132-acre development with 513 housing units near Middletown.

The Wilmington News Journal reported Thursday the plans for the new Winchelsea subdivision call for a mix of 359 homes, including single-family detached, village, twin and townhome units. The plan also calls for 154 apartments situated in 14 three-story apartment buildings. The subdivision ties into the Bayberry development and a planned shopping center north of Boyds Corner Road.

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) - One Delaware county is barring government-funded travel to Indiana over a new religious-objections law that has raised concerns that gays and lesbians could face discrimination.

New Castle County Executive Tom Gordon signed an executive order Wednesday, saying the county is reviewing travel plans for all employees. Gordon says he's not aware of any upcoming government trips to the state, but the order was meant to send a message.

NEW CASTLE, Del. (AP) - New Castle County officials are launching a new initiative to warn people about the dangers of heroin.

The campaign, to be discussed at a news conference Thursday, is aimed at teenagers and at making suburban, middle class families aware that heroin use is happening in their communities as well as in the inner city.

County Executive Tom Gordon and County Police Chief Col. E.M. Setting were among the officials scheduled to be on hand to discuss the effort.

DOVER, Del. (AP) - Officials are wrapping up a series of public meetings on proposed increase in user fees at Delaware's state parks.

The fiscal 2015 capital budget approved by lawmakers earlier this year authorized the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control to propose a fee increase after receiving public comment and approval of advisory councils.

Officials have held public comment sessions in Sussex and New Castle counties, and the final session was scheduled for Tuesday at Killens Pond in Kent County.

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) - New Castle County and the city of Wilmington are planning to release new strategic plans for economic development.

The Wilmington News Journal reports that the county paid consultants $49,500 for its report, while Wilmington paid the same two firms $25,000 for its plan. The same companies crafted an economic development plan for Newark three years ago. They are Wadley-Donovan Growth Tech LLC of New Jersey and Garnet Consulting Services of Connecticut.